Jacob Rees-Mogg defends Rwanda plans after Archbishop says they 'oppose nature of God'

Jacob Rees-Mogg has defended a government policy to send migrants to Rwanda after the Archbishop of Canterbury described the plans as "the opposite of the nature of God". Head of the church of England Justin Welby told his Easter Sunday sermon that there are “serious ethical questions about sending asylum seekers overseas”.

Rejecting the criticism, minister for Brexit opportunities Mr Rees-Mogg told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that the Archbishop had "misunderstood" the policy and insisted it was about "fighting organised crime".

The government announced plans earlier this week to curb migrant crossings of the English Channel in small boats. People who are deemed to have entered Britain by unlawful means since January 1 may be sent to Rwanda where they will be permitted to apply for asylum in the African country.

READ MORE: Rwanda plans which will see migrants given one-way ticket 'opposite of nature of God', Archbishop of Canterbury says

The proposed measures have faced a fierce backlash from opposition parties, some within the Conservative Party, charities, and religious figures. The Archbishop told this morning's service that “sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God who himself took responsibility for our failures”.

“The details are for politics," he said. "The principle must stand the judgment of God, and it cannot. It cannot carry the weight of resurrection justice, of life conquering death. It cannot carry the weight of the resurrection that was first to the least valued, for it privileges the rich and strong.”

Mr Rees-Mogg said he disagreed. He said the plans presented an "opportunity" for Rwanda.

"The problem